Benito Santiago

Benito Santiago Rivera
(Benny)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 182 lb.
• High School John F. Kennedy High School (Santa Isabel)
• Debut September 14, 1986
• Final Game April 11, 2005
• Born March 9, 1965 in Ponce, P.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

Benito Santiago was signed as an amateur free agent by the San Diego Padres and scout Luis Rosa on September 1, 1982. He holds the record for the longest hitting streak by a rookie, with 34 games in 1987. Gifted with a tremendously powerful arm, he could throw out a would-be base stealer from his knees.

His son, Benito Santiago Jr., was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the 31st round of the 2010 amateur draft, but opted not to sign. He later played basketball professionally in Puerto Rico, in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.

Notable Achievements

• 1987 NL Rookie of the Year Award
• 5-time NL All-Star (1989-1992 & 2002)
• 2002 NLCS MVP
• 3-time NL Gold Glove Winner (1988-1990)
• 4-time NL Silver Slugger Award Winner (1987, 1988, 1990 & 1991)
• 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1996)
• 30-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1996)

NL Rookie of the Year
1986	1987	1988
Todd Worrell	Benito Santiago	Chris Sabo

Records Held

• Consecutive games with a hit, rookie, 34, 1987

Related Sites

• Benito Santiago at the SABR Bio Project